Home Drink Menu Open main menu

Dirty Margarita Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Get a little dirty with this delicious Dirty Margarita recipe! Made with Tequila Blanco El Jimador, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave syrup, this cocktail is perfect for those who like a little bit of a twist on the classic margarita. Shaken until ice-cold, and served in a salt-rimmed cocktail glass, this drink is sure to impress your friends at your next party. Grab your shaker and juicer and get mixing!


Dirty Margarita Ingredients

Dirty Margarita Equipment

  • shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Dirty Margarita Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Lime juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
  3. shake till perfectly chilled
  4. strain into cocktail glass without ice

Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass

The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.

The Dirty Margarita: A Classic Cocktail with a Twist

If you're looking for a refreshing and bold drink that is perfect for any occasion, the dirty margarita is an excellent choice. This classic cocktail has been enjoyed by people all over the world for decades, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day. In this article, we'll explore the popularity of the dirty margarita, the role of its ingredients, how to garnish it, different variations of the drink, common mistakes when making it, and more.

Popularity

History and Origins

The margarita is a classic cocktail that has been around for decades. Its origins are somewhat disputed, with different stories claiming to have invented the drink. However, the most widely accepted origin story is that the margarita was first created in Mexico in the 1930s or 40s. Some say that it was invented by a bartender named Carlos "Danny" Herrera, who created the drink for a customer who couldn't drink straight tequila. Others say that it was invented by a socialite named Margarita Sames. Regardless of its origins, the margarita quickly became a popular cocktail and is now one of the most recognizable drinks in the world.

Famous For

The margarita is famous for its bright and refreshing flavor, which is perfect for a hot summer day or a night out with friends. It's typically made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, and is served in a salt-rimmed glass. The dirty margarita is a twist on the classic recipe, which adds agave syrup to the mix for a sweeter flavor.

Geographic

The margarita is enjoyed all over the world, but it is most commonly associated with Mexico and the southwestern United States. It's a staple at Mexican restaurants and is a popular drink during Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Appearance

The dirty margarita is a beautiful drink with a bright green color that is sure to catch your eye. It's typically served in a cocktail glass with a salt rim, and is garnished with a lime wedge or slice.

Ingredient Roles

The dirty margarita is made with a few simple ingredients, each of which plays an important role in the flavor and texture of the drink.

Tequila Blanco El Jimador

Tequila is the star of the show in the margarita, and the dirty margarita is no exception. Tequila Blanco El Jimador is a great choice for this cocktail because of its smooth and clean flavor. It's made from 100% blue agave and is perfect for mixing in cocktails.

Orange Liqueur

Orange liqueur is an essential ingredient in the margarita, as it adds a sweet and citrusy flavor to the drink. It also helps to balance out the acidity of the lime juice. Cointreau is a classic choice for orange liqueur, but you can also use triple sec or Grand Marnier.

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice is a must for any margarita, as it provides the tart and tangy flavor that the drink is known for. It's important to use fresh lime juice rather than bottled juice, as it will give the drink a brighter and more authentic flavor.

Agave Syrup

Agave syrup is a sweetener that is made from the same plant that tequila is made from. It's a great addition to the dirty margarita because it adds a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients. It's important to use a high-quality agave syrup to ensure that the flavor is not overpowering.

How to Garnish

Garnishing a dirty margarita is simple, but it can make a big difference in the appearance and flavor of the drink. Here's how to do it:

  1. Rim a cocktail glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a small dish of salt.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave syrup.
  3. Shake well and strain into the salt-rimmed glass.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge or slice.

Variations

The dirty margarita is a classic cocktail that is delicious on its own, but there are many variations that you can try to mix things up. Here are a few different versions of the drink:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin or mocktail version of the dirty margarita, simply omit the tequila and double the amount of lime juice and agave syrup.

Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients

The dirty margarita is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free tequila and orange liqueur. Some great options include Tres Agaves Organic Blanco tequila and Cointreau.

Vegan Version

The dirty margarita is already vegan, as long as you use a vegan-friendly tequila and orange liqueur. Some great options include Espolòn Blanco tequila and Patrón Citrónge.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of the dirty margarita, use a sugar-free sweetener instead of agave syrup. Some great options include stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the dirty margarita, use a sugar-free sweetener instead of agave syrup and reduce the amount of orange liqueur. You can also use a low-calorie tequila, such as Hornitos Plata or Don Julio Blanco.

Common Mistakes When Making

When making a dirty margarita, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid:

  1. Using bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice. This will make the drink taste less authentic and less flavorful.
  2. Using a low-quality tequila. This will make the drink taste harsh and unpleasant.
  3. Using too much agave syrup. This will make the drink overly sweet and cloying.
  4. Not shaking the drink enough. This will prevent the ingredients from blending together properly and will result in a less flavorful drink.

Overall, the dirty margarita is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're sipping one on a hot summer day or enjoying one at a Mexican restaurant, it's a drink that is sure to please. By following the tips and variations listed in this article, you can enjoy a delicious dirty margarita that is customized to your preferences.

If you are going to order Dirty Margarita in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Dirty Margarita can be served with different ingredients in different places.